$5 million retail development planned for Epsom

The site is bordered by the Midland Highway and Waverley Road, and is directly opposite Bunnings in Epsom.

PLANS for a $5 million retail development on the Midland Highway at Epsom have been submitted with the City of Greater Bendigo as two local property owners seek to cash-in on the city’s growing northern fringe.

The development – on a 1.3 hectare block of land opposite Bunnings – will house “national” retail chains including a drive-through fast food restaurant attached to a twin-canopy service station.

A home-style bulky goods retailer and a trade supplies store will also be based at the site, which will have a direct entrance from the Midland Highway and the small adjoining Waverley Road.

Developers could not confirm the businesses which have agreed to move in to the precinct as discussions are ongoing.

The site will have 90 parking spaces and could create up to 80 jobs. It will have 13,000-square metres of retail space.

Owners of 92-108 Midland Highway in Epsom have submitted plans to the council, and say they are close to finalising a number of national retail chains.

A further two retail spaces are yet to be filled, but development manager James Hunt said they were in talks with a national stationary business interested in the proposal.

The two property owners, from central Victoria, bought the land five years ago to house the Good Earth Landscape Supplies store, but the rapid increase in value of the land presented further options for development.

They estimate the property could have an end value of $10 million once construction is complete.

Mr Hunt said it was a reflection on the growth of Bendigo’s northern fringe.